England primed to thrill once more in New Zealand showdown

LONDON: A rejuvenated England head into Saturday's winner-takes-all fifth one-day international against New Zealand knowing that even a defeat would do little to spoil the buzz surrounding English limited-overs cricket.

A pulsating ODI series is currently tied 2-2 and Chester-le-Street in Durham will play host to the decider where an England side enthused with aggressive intent will come up against this year's World Cup runners-up New Zealand.

England were humiliated at the World Cup where they went out in the group stage, but, under the guidance of caretaker coach Paul Farbrace and on-field leadership of Eoin Morgan, they are barely recognisable from their former cautious selves.

Trevor Bayliss will take charge of England ahead of the Ashes series and on current form the only notes in the Australian's coaching manual will be 'more of the same'.

England have bludgeoned their way to totals of 408, 365, 302 and 350 against a New Zealand side that have played their part in an explosive series under captain Brendon McCullum.

Chasing a target of 350 for victory to square the series on Wednesday, Morgan's brutal 113 off 82 balls and a delightful 106 not out from Joe Root completed England's highest successful run chase in one-day internationals with six overs to spare.